District to begin COVID testing

As we head into the second full month of school, we will begin COVID testing as part of our layered mitigation plan. Testing will begin for students on Tuesday, Oct. 12, with permission. Learn more about the district’s COVID-19 testing program

Both the CDC and the New York State Department of Education recommend testing as an important step to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep our schools open for in-person learning.

In addition to masking, social distancing, cleaning and disinfecting, handwashing and other protocols, random testing will help protect our students, staff, family members, and others who are either not vaccinated or are otherwise at risk for getting seriously sick from COVID-19.

Through this program, we will be able to identify COVID-19 cases quickly and early, which can help us stop an outbreak before it happens and keep students in the classroom learning and able to participate in other school activities.

We are working with our local health department and are joining other school districts throughout the state that offer this program.

Who will be tested? We will offer testing to everyone — all students and staff. Each week we will test a random 20% of the school population.

How is the testing done? The COVID-19 testing is free, quick, and easy. Our school nurses will oversee testing either with a shallow nostril swab or a saliva swab. Both are painless, and will be administered by professional health care officials/school nurses or self administered.

We encourage everyone to participate in this free and convenient service regardless of vaccination status, however, unvaccinated athletes and staff members are required to participate. Please complete the online COVID-19 Testing Consent Form

Where and when will the testing be done? Our school’s testing site will be in the nurse’s office and will take place on Mondays for staff and Tuesdays for students. Families will be notified prior to testing if your child is scheduled for random testing that week. Results will be available within approximately 24 hours via the Quadrant app. https://app.clarifi-covid-19.com/

How can I be sure that my child’s information will be protected? Sharing of information about your child will only be done for public health purposes and in accordance with applicable law and policies protecting student privacy and the security of your child’s data.

This letter asks your permission for us to test your child regularly at school. We will only test students whose parents/guardians have provided consent for us to do so. If you wish to take advantage of this opportunity, please complete the COVID-19 Testing Consent Form.

We hope you will consider having your child participate in this important testing program as we work together to make this a safe, healthy and successful school year for our students, staff and families. If you have questions regarding COVID-19 testing, please reach out to Assistant Superintendent Don Stevens via email or call 518-629-3456.

Thank you.

(This message was shared with WCSD families via One Call Now email on October 1.)